A new national monument named Thunderhead, designed to commemorate the struggles and resilience of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, has been unveiled near the Library and Archives Canada building in downtown Ottawa. The monument, a towering white column with cloud-shaped openings, symbolizes both destruction and renewal.
The monument, situated at the intersection of Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge, serves as a poignant reminder of the discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in Canada, particularly during the government’s decades-long campaign known as the LGBT purge. This initiative saw thousands of individuals expelled from various sectors due to their sexuality from the 1950s to the mid-1990s.
Todd Ross, co-chair of the LGBT Purge Fund, who was discharged from the Canadian navy in 1990 due to his sexuality, played a pivotal role in the realization of Thunderhead. Ross was part of a class-action lawsuit against the government, with the proceeds contributing to the monument’s construction.
Designed by Liz Wreford and her team from Architects Public City, Thunderhead’s concept of thunderclouds represents a dual symbolism of holding destruction and renewal simultaneously. The monument’s mirrored interior reflects sunlight, creating a kaleidoscope effect, while flickering lights inside mimic lightning flashes.
Surrounding the monument is a park designed to shed light on Canada’s history of anti-2SLGBTQ+ discrimination. An interpretive wall narrates this history, including the persecution of two-spirit individuals. Additionally, a healing circle composed of stones hand-picked by two-spirit elders from each province and territory stands nearby.
Michelle Douglas, executive director of the LGBT Purge Fund, envisions the park as a space for reflection and celebration, serving as a beacon of hope. The site is designed to be a living monument, acknowledging past discrimination while looking towards a more inclusive future.
The park features a stage and gathering spaces for performances and events. Ross hopes that Thunderhead and its surroundings will be utilized for both celebratory and advocacy purposes. The official opening ceremony, set to be attended by Gov.-Gen. Louise Arbour, will take place on Friday, coinciding with the commencement of Capital Pride 2026 running until August 30.
